Parable Of The Pharisee And The Tax Collector
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Luke 18:9-14 - English Standard Version
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Introduction to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector
Jesus began his parable with these words, as the children hung around Him" "Picture the village just as the sun begins to rise. A gentle breeze carries the smell of freshly baked bread from a woman’s clay oven. The men are preparing to go to their fields or workshops, and the women are starting their daily chores. Our two friends, the Pharisee and the tax collector, are both getting ready to go to the temple in Jerusalem. The temple was a very special place, the holiest place in all of Israel. 🕍
The Pharisee (let's call him Simon), was very proud of his good deeds. He fasted twice a week, even more than the law required! He also gave a tenth of everything he earned to the temple. He believed he was a very righteous man. Do you think God loved Simon for all these good things he did?
Yes, He did! But, sometimes, Simon let his pride get in the way. He would walk through the marketplace, with his head held high, and look down at people who were not as strict as him. He believed he was better than others because he followed all the rules.
The Tax Collector's Life
Now, the tax collector,(let's call him Levi), had a very different life. He collected taxes from people in the village to give to the Romans. Many people didn't like tax collectors. They felt that these men betrayed their own people for money. Even worse, sometimes they would overcharge the people and keep the extra money in their pockets. The people would often turn away from Levi in the marketplace, and their children were told not to play with his. This made Levi feel very lonely and sad.
One day, both men decided to go to the temple to pray. Simon walked with his shoulders back and his head held high. He felt confident and sure that God would be pleased with him. Levi, on the other hand, walked slowly, with his head bowed low. His heart was heavy with the thought of his mistakes.
Simon and Levi prayed two different prayers
When they reached the temple, they went to different spots. Simon, the Pharisee, stood in a place where everyone could see him. He looked up to the sky and prayed loudly, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of everything I own. I am a very good man!” Simon felt that he was perfect and that God should be grateful for him.
Levi, the tax collector, stood far away from everyone else. He was so ashamed that he would not even lift his head to heaven. Instead, he beat his chest with his hand, a sign of deep sadness and regret. He whispered a simple prayer, with tears in his eyes, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” He did not try to make excuses or boast about anything good he had done. He simply knew he had made mistakes and needed God's forgiveness.
Parable Of The Pharisee And The Tax Collector: A Powerful Lesson
Now, children, listen to the most important part of the story. I tell you, it was the tax collector, Levi, who went home with a joyful heart. He was forgiven and made right with God. Simon, with all his pride, went home with his heart still full of himself. He had not truly humbled himself before God.
You see, God knows our hearts. He doesn't care how many rules we follow or how loudly we pray. What He truly loves is a humble heart. He wants us to come to Him just as we are, admitting our mistakes and asking for His help. A humble heart is like a little jar waiting to be filled with God's love and grace, while a proud heart is like a jar already full of air, with no room for anything else.
So, let's always remember to have humble hearts like Lean vi, who confessed his sins to God. When we pray, let's not tell God how great we are, but instead, tell Him how much we are sorry for our wrongs. God forgave Levi because he confessed his sins and went away promising never to steal again.
Can we pray together like Levi? 🙏
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was a Pharisee?
A Pharisee was a Jewish person in ancient Israel who was very dedicated to following the laws and traditions of their faith. They were often scholars and religious leaders. Because of that, the Pharisees felt that they were better than anyone else and that God loved them more.
Who was a tax collector?
A tax collector was a Jewish person who worked for the Roman government, collecting money from their fellow Israelites. They were often disliked because they were seen as traitors and because they often stole from the people.
Why was God pleased with the tax collector's prayer?
God pleased with the tax collector's prayer because he admitted that he had done wrong and asked God for forgiveness. When he did so, God forgave his sins. The tax collector didn't boast; he simply asked God for mercy, showing he understood his need for forgiveness.
On the other hand, the Pharisee did not admit to having any sins although he was a sinner. God could not forgive him for any of his wrongdoings.
What does it mean to be "justified"?
When the tax collector was "justified," it meant he was made right with God. God forgave all of his sins. He wiped away all of the tax collector's sins and gave him a fresh start.
Conclusion
So, my dear friends, remember this story. Let's always choose to be like the tax collector, with a heart that is humble and open to God's love and forgiveness.
Let's not be like the Pharisee, whose pride kept him from confessing his sins to God. The next time you pray, simply tell God about the wrongs that you have done. That means that you confessed them. Ask God to forgive your sins and to wash them away.
After you are forgiven, you must show proof of repentance by never doing those wrong things again. That is what it means to be righteous in God's eyes.
I hope this Parable Of The Pharisee And The Tax Collector helps you understand that what matters most is not how we look to others, but how our hearts look to God. Thank you for listening. Now, go and play, but remember this important lesson in your hearts. 😊
Learn how to receive eternal life.
References
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: The NIV Application Commentary. Zondervan.
Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke. Eerdmans Publishing.
Jeremias, J. (1972). The Parables of Jesus (3rd ed.). Charles Scribner's Sons.
Keener, C. S. (2009). The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press.
Stern, D. H. (1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary: A Companion Volume to the Jewish New Testament. Jewish New Testament Publications.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway Bibles. (Original work published 2001)
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